Reflection Questions: Questions based on “A Temporary Matter” 1). How does Lahiri show the ways in which Shoba and Shukumar’s relationship has changed after the loss of their baby? What’s different about their routines, their appearance, the way they speak to one another, or don’t speak, etc.?
2). Why did Shukumar and Shoba work so hard at avoiding one another in their own house? What was keeping them apart?
3). How do Shukumar and Shoba process their grief differently?
4). When Shoba and Shukumar begin to tell each other something they’ve never told one another before—what kinds of things do they confess to each other? What do these confessions reveal about their personalities, and about how they felt toward one another?
5). In the end of the story, Shoba reveals that she signed a lease on an apartment before coming home that night. What was your reaction when you read this? Were you surprised? Disappointed? Why do you think she signed the lease? Why is Shukumar both relieved and sickened by the news?
Reflection Questions Based on “The Fireman’s Wife” by Richard Bausch (pg. 33) 6). What role do you think dreams play in this story? Describe one or two things they reveal, or get you to question. 7). Pick two quotes from the story, type them and reflect on what they reveal about Jane and Martin’s relationship.

Need help with this Essay/Dissertation?
Get in touch Essay & Dissertation Writing services